The ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ Helped Scientists Discover a New Gene Tied to A.L.S.

The Ice Bucket Challenge helped raise $115 million dollars two summers ago for the A.L.S. Association.  These fund were divided into different part such as, 67% went to the research, 20% to patient and community services, 9% to public and professional education, 2% to fund raisers, and another 2% to payment fees. Researchers have discovered a new gene by the name of NEK1 that contributed to the disease A.L.S., which shows about 3% of A.L.S. cases were affected.  According to the vice president of communication and development for the A.L.S. Association, "Treatment won't be limited".





http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/28/health/the-ice-bucket-challenge-helped-scientists-discover-a-new-gene-tied-to-als.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=5&pgtype=sectionfront

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ice-bucket-challenge-funds-discovery-gene-linked-als-article-1.2726954

TRIM5 fights HIV

Thanks to the protein TRIM5, rhesus monkeys are resistant to HIV. The TRIM5 protein prevents the virus from multiplying once it has entered the cell. Scientists discovered the mechanism in the protein, which could help discover ways to fight HIV in humans. We have known about the TRIM5 protein for over six years but the mechanism that it uses to prevent HIV was still largely unknown.

The study showed that the TRIM5 immediatly triggers an immune response if infected with HIV. Humans also have a TRIM5 protein, but it is not as effective at fighting off HIV. But the discovery of this in certain monkeys has opened up new possibilities in fending of the HIV virus in Humans.

I think its really great that such a protein could be immune to a virus that so widely affects our population. Even if the protein of TRIM5 we have isn't as effective, the TRIM5 in monkeys may one day be able with treatment of those who have HIV.